Water and CSP—Linking CSP Water Demand Models and National Hydrology Data to Sustainably Manage CSP Development and Water Resources in Arid Regions

D. Frank Duvenhage, Alan C. Brent, William H.L. Stafford and S. Grobbelaar
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D. Frank Duvenhage: Engineering Management and Sustainable Systems, Department of Industrial Engineering, the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
Alan C. Brent: Engineering Management and Sustainable Systems, Department of Industrial Engineering, the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
William H.L. Stafford: Engineering Management and Sustainable Systems, Department of Industrial Engineering, the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group and the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
S. Grobbelaar: Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-32

Abstract: A systematic approach to evaluate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant fleet deployment and sustainable water resource use in arid regions is presented. An overview is given of previous work carried out. Once CSP development scenarios, suitable areas for development, and the water demand from CSP operations were evaluated, appropriate spatiotemporal CSP performance models were developed. The resulting consumptive patterns and the impact of variable resource availability on CSP plant operation are analysed. This evaluation considered the whole of South Africa, with focus on the areas identified as suitable for CSP, in order to study the impact on local water resources. It was found that the hydrological limitations imposed by variable water resources on CSP development are severe. The national annual theoretical net generation potential of wet-cooled Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,277 to 120 TWh, and that of wet-cooled Central Receiver decreased from 12,003 to 170 TWh. Dry cooled versions also experience severe limitations, but to a lesser extent—the national annual theoretical net generation potential of Parabolic Trough decreased from 11,038 to 512 TWh, and that of Central Receiver decreased from 11,824 to 566 TWh. Accordingly, policy guidelines are suggested for sustainable CSP development and water resource management within the context of current South African water use regulation.

Keywords: Concentrating Solar Power; the water consumption factor; Renewable Energy; hydrological limit; water resource availability; CSP potential; water–energy nexus; sustainable development; water resource management; arid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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